PLAYERS TO WATCH
Illinois: Kofi Cockburn
“He’s a load,” UH coach Kelvin Sampson says of defending the nation’s top big man. Cockburn, who is 7-foot and 285 pounds, averages a double-double with 21.0 points and 10.7 rebounds. The Cougars could elect to be aggressive and hope he gets in foul trouble (he’s only fouled out twice this season) or send him to the freethrow line, where he’s only a 64.3-percent shooter. Houston: Josh Carlton
This is exactly the type of game the Cougars brought in Carlton, who has proven capable of holding his own in the post. At 6-10 and 245 pounds, Carlton will have to bang down low with Kofi Cockburn. Carlton has come on strong down the stretch, averaging 15.3 points in the last three games. Carlton will have to stay out of foul trouble for the Cougars to have a chance.
Why Illinois will win
Which team will show up? The Illini are battle-tested as the Big Ten co-champions. But they are only 6-4 in the last 10 games and struggled shooting in Friday’s close call against Chattanooga. Kofi Cockburn can take over a game, but a win will likely be decided by guards Alfonso Plummer, a sharpshooter from 3-point range, and playmaker Trent Frazier. Don’t sleep on Coleman Hawkins, a 6-10 forward who is averaging 14 points in the postseason.
Why Houston will win
Kelvin Sampson and his staff are at their best at putting game plans together for big games. Even without two key players there is a swagger about this team, not to mention motivation as few national pundits project the Cougars to reach the second weekend. It’s unlikely the Cougars can duplicate their 3-point shooting from the first half Friday. But if Kyler Edwards gets hot, watch out. If the Cougars are to advance this is a game the frontcourt will play a starring role.
Bonus stat
Illinois’ five Final Four appearances are tied with Oklahoma for second-most among teams yet to a win a national title. Houston tops the list with six.